Within the framework of the recent International Maritime Defense Show in St. Petersburg, a number of promising developments of the Russian industry were shown. One of the most interesting novelties was the so-called. small-sized small arms control system (M-MSA) "Serval". This product is a complex that includes controls and remotely controlled combat modules for mounting various weapons.
Proactive development
The new M-OMS "Serval" was presented by the concern "Morinformsistema-Agat". The project is an initiative development of the Izumrud plant, which is part of the concern.
Serval includes several units designed for mounting on different carriers. By changing the composition and number of elements of this system, you can equip vehicles of various types, armored vehicles or ships. The fighting qualities of the M-LMS are determined by its own instruments, but at the same time depend on the type of installed weapons.
It is alleged that the M-LMS "Serval" has already been tested in the conditions of the test site, and then transferred for testing to one of the units of the Pacific Fleet. The inspections ended with very good results. So, during the test firing, a fire task was set to defeat several targets. The Serval hit them with only three shots, while a shooter with the same weapon had to spend 20 rounds.
After the tests, the command of the Pacific Fleet turned to the Ministry of Defense with a proposal to accept the Serval into service. In addition, the development organization received an export passport. This allows us to offer the new system to foreign customers.
Thus, by the time of the first public demonstration of the M-LMS "Serval" managed to go a certain way and get as close as possible to the stage of mass production and deployment in the army.
Technical features
M-OMS "Serval" is a complex, which includes several means for different purposes. First of all, it is the operator's remote control. The complex also includes a weapon station and an optoelectronic device for observing and searching for targets. The minimum configuration of "Serval" includes separate means, while the maximum provides for the use of a remote control, an optical unit and four modules with weapons.
An optoelectronic device (OED) is built on the basis of a rotary support device and receives a swinging unit with optics. With its help, it is proposed to monitor the situation and look for targets, as well as generate data for shooting. OEP is equipped with a gyrostabilizer and can be equipped with a video camera, thermal imager and laser rangefinder. It is curious that the model of the OEP presented at IMDS-2019 differs markedly from the products featured in advertising materials.
The combat module is made in the form of a supporting device with a swinging installation for weapons. In the brochures, a simplified module is shown, while the exhibition model received an additional casing with its own camera. Weapon guidance is carried out by electric drives with stabilization.
OEP and combat module are capable of directing optics / weapons within a horizontal sector 160 ° wide to the right and left. Vertical guidance angles - from -20 ° to + 80 °. Automatic tracking of the selected target is possible. Tracking speed - up to 60 deg / sec.
The customer is offered a choice of several variants of the swinging part for the combat module, designed to work with different weapons. "Serval" can be equipped with an AK-74 assault rifle, a machine gun of the PK family, a "Utes" or KPV product. Thus, the M-SUO "Serval" is compatible with small arms with a caliber from 5, 45 to 14, 5 mm. The possibility of using foreign-made weapons has also been declared.
Fire characteristics of "Serval" directly depend on the type of installed weapon. At the same time, the stabilizer and electronic control make it possible to increase the effectiveness of fire over the entire range of operating ranges. The size of the ammunition is also determined by the characteristics of the weapons used.
The control is carried out using an automated workstation for the operator. It is equipped with the necessary controls and a monitor for issuing information. One remote control can control up to four combat modules.
Each of the modules of the M-LMS "Serval" has a mass of no more than 50 kg. The control is carried out by a calculation of two people, and some of the tasks are solved by automation, which reduces the burden on operators.
The Serval's mission is called the fight against small-sized ground, surface and air targets. Such a system can be used on different carriers and in different fields, which in a known way expands the range of tasks to be solved and the list of targets to be hit.
Benefits and Potential
In our country, many remotely controlled combat modules for various purposes have already been created. M-SUO "Serval" from the concern "Morinformsistema-Agat" is similar to similar products, but has a number of characteristic differences. They set the new development apart from other systems, and also give it noticeable advantages over them. It is quite possible that the Serval will be able to realize its potential and enter service in the near future.
A characteristic feature and main advantage of the Serval project is an integrated approach to architecture. The new M-LMS includes several tools for different purposes, which can be combined in accordance with the requirements and limitations of the carrier. Thus, a minimal set can be installed on lightweight platforms, while larger ones can carry all available systems.
When using the minimum set, the M-OMS "Serval" is an analogue of the existing DBMS. In a different configuration, this system gains significant advantages and is capable of solving more complex problems. For example, four combat modules with large-caliber machine guns can be installed along the perimeter of a boat or small ship, which will provide effective all-round protection against light enemy watercraft at significant ranges.
Of particular interest is the compatibility of the combat module with machine guns. Such a weapon is uncharacteristic for modern DBMS, and other models are preferred to it. In this respect, Serval is a unique system, but the real possibilities in this configuration are limited. Ammunition in the form of 30 rounds in a detachable magazine may not be sufficient for most tasks. However, it cannot be ruled out that this version of the complex will find application in practice.
Commercial prospects
The organization-developer claims that the M-LMS "Serval" has been tested at proving grounds and in parts of the Pacific Fleet. The representatives of the Navy were satisfied with the new model and took the initiative to put it into service. This shows that the new model, despite the proactive nature of the development, suited the military and meets their requirements.
If the proposal of the Pacific Fleet is accepted for implementation, "Serval" can go into series and become the standard armament of some combat units. Such systems can be used on various boats and small ships. You can also expect the introduction of elements of the M-LMS on land vehicles. However, do not expect that this will happen in the very near future.
The Serval-E M-OMS received an export-standard passport, which allows the developer to bring it to the international market. There are many developments in the field of DBMS and there is fierce competition, but the new Russian model may have serious commercial potential. Unlike many other systems, Serval-E offers not a specific device with weapons and remote control, but a full-fledged complex of modular architecture, adaptable to specific tasks and needs.
Thus, the small-sized Serval small arms control system can be considered a promising universal means of solving fire problems with good commercial prospects. The current status of the project suggests that new messages about its development and success will appear in the very near future.
